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MUBI Podcast

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE — Magnus von Horn on the dark past...and present

Feb 6, 2025
Magnus von Horn, a Swedish director known for his thought-provoking film 'The Girl with the Needle', joins guest host Anna Bogutskaya to discuss the chilling origins of his horror narrative. They explore how the film intertwines fears of parenthood with historical oppression, shedding light on the societal issues facing women in Copenhagen's dark past. Von Horn shares insights into the complex casting process and the collaborative nature of character development, while connecting themes of villainy and systemic oppression to contemporary struggles for women's rights.
26:53

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Magnus von Horn reflects on channeling his parental fears into creating 'The Girl with the Needle,' highlighting the relevance of historical darkness to modern parenting anxieties.
  • The film uses historical context to explore moral ambiguity, questioning whether societal conditions or individual choices define villainy in oppressive environments.

Deep dives

Exploring Personal Fears Through Horror

The film 'The Girl with the Needle' arose from the creator's personal fears surrounding the safety of children, a theme he has grappled with since becoming a parent. He sought to channel this fear into a creative project to prevent being consumed by it, ultimately discovering a narrative that resonated deeply with his own emotions. The story of a woman navigating the desperate conditions of World War I-era Copenhagen serves as a backdrop to illustrate these fears, emphasizing the dangers that can overshadow parental love and societal pressures. By exploring this dark theme in a historical context, the filmmaker hopes to evoke an emotional response that connects viewers with their own fears and the protective instincts surrounding parenthood.

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